Daily Gospel Reflection for March 13, 2014

What parent hasn’t at one point in their parenting life thought, “I am wicked”. If we haven’t, then we probably have a kid or two who has!

It is one thing to think it but quite another to be referred to as ‘wicked’ by Jesus! As they say, ‘The truth hurts!’ The Truth, however, as Jesus speaks it here, is also incredibly comforting; as He goes on to give us some credit, probably more than we tend to give ourselves, reminding us that we do “know how to give good gifts to [our]children.”

Which brings us back to the beginning of today’s Gospel, which also happens to be one of my favorite passages, that expectant urging from Jesus to ask, seek and knock – and God will give you ‘good things’. So when it comes to my wicked parenting ways, the answer may fall not in my reading more Dr. Spock or watching more Dr. Phil* but bringing myself to the divine physician. To come before Him in confidence asking for all the grace I need to be more understanding parent. To seek, perhaps through more frequent participation in the Sacraments, the graces necessary to be a more present parent. Finally to knock on the door of opportunity to be a more fun-loving, wise and caring parent.

Always remembering, in joyful hope, nothing is impossible for God, even for something as farfetched as me being a ‘patience, peaceful, attentive and good-gift bearing’ Mom.

Ponder:

What do I long to ask for; what can I seek; and upon which door should I knock?

Pray:

Perfection is not what you ask of me, and neither do my children. Help me to ask, seek and knock for all the good gifts my family and I need. In joyful expectation will I wait for your answers and blessings, My Lord and My God!

7 Comments

Ouch! This reflection hits home. I always kinda skimmed over the word wicked – surely He wasn’t talking about me! But… Not that I think I am a perfect mom. St. Ann gets an earful from me daily. Maybe, though, I need to do more seeking of opportunities to be “fun loving, wise and caring.” Will try today.

Thank you for your comments – I really appreciate you taking the time to not only read the reflection but also share how you responded to it. I struggle to be fun-loving – even as a kid I didn’t like to play :)) As for the word ‘wicked’ I have to laugh because I am from Boston, and we use it to mean GOOD lol, and usually in conjunction with AWESOME (aka wicked awesome), so reading it in this Gospel gave me extra pause!! Thanks again for the Comment!!

Allison, such a great job with this lovely passage. When I hear this passage of the gospel now, I think of this song, which I’ve fallen in love with by Mags Wang, an amazing young Catholic musician: http://youtu.be/fho7ow7cmm0

Being more present to your children … yes, this is SO important. Mine are grown up and gone now and I think back with regret that I was not more consistently present. I guess I did the best with what I had at the time. Whenever either of my kids wants to talk or visit however, I remember about being present and how important it is. Nothing means more to them whether they are toddlers or young adults. Thanks for this reflection Allison!